Debit and ATM Fraud. A few simple rules of prevention.

Debit and credit card skimming attempts to hijack your personal information and your identity by tampering with ATM machines. Fraudsters set up a device that is capable of capturing the debit card magnetic stripe and keypad information from the ATM, then sell this information to criminals who use it to create new cards with your account numbers. If an ATM looks suspicious – for instance, if it has a discolored card reader or an unresponsive keypad – use another machine.

CONSUMER CAN PROTECT THEMSELVES
To avoid becoming a victim of debit card fraud, follow these tips from the American Bankers Association:

Immediately notify your bank if your card is lost or stolen. Call us at 1-800-264-5578.

If you have a reason to suspect fraud, check your account balance right away by utilizing online banking, telephone banking, or by printing an interim statement at the ATM.

Use your body to “shield” the ATM keyboard as you enter your PIN.

Keep your receipts to check against your statement.

Keep a record of card numbers, expiration dates and 1-800 numbers for banks so you can contact the issuing bank easily in case of theft.

Mark through any blank spaces on debit receipts, including the tip line at restaurants, so the total amount cannot be changed.